Avulsion fractures of the pelvis may affect the anterior superior iliac spine, the anterior inferior iliac spine, or the ischial tuberosity. The sartoris muscle originates at the anterior superior iliac spine. The rectus femoris muscle originates at the anterior inferior iliac spine. The hamstring muscles originate at the ischial tuberosities. The osseous structures are generally avulsed in young, athletic individuals. These fractures are also known as sprinter fractures.

A	AP radiograph of the pelvis. This demonstrates a prior avulsion of the right anterior superior iliac spine. The avulsed fragment has healed with some deformity to the iliac wing.
B	AP radiograph of the pelvis. This shows a prior healed avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine.

Links to online textbooks:

• Wheeless' Orthopedics: menu of pelvic fractures

Links to online cases:

• The Physician and Sports Medicine
• University of Hawaii

References:

• Stevens MA, El-Khoury GY, Kathol MH, Brandser EA, Chow S: Imaging features of avulsion injuries Radiographics. 1999 May-Jun;19(3):655-72.           [See related articles]
• Aksoy B, Ozturk K, Ensenyel CZ, Kara AN: Avulsion of the iliac crest apophysis Int J Sports Med. 1998 Jan;19(1):76-8.           [See related articles]